ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT: How to Fix It Step-by-Step
Reinstalling and repairing faulty dynamic link libraries
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The ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT signals that your system is having trouble loading a dynamic link library (DLL).
These DLL files are included in most apps and processes and handle specific tasks, such as managing your mouse, handling the UI, or managing memory.
See below how to repair a corrupt DLL, how to replace it and other tried and tested fixes.
How to fix ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT
1. Reinstall the problematic app
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll down until you find the app that’s causing the DLL error.
- Click on the 3 dots next to it and select Uninstall.
- Once the process is complete, go to the app’s original installation folder (Usually in Program Files) and delete all traces of it.
- Go back to the app’s official website or the Microsoft Store and reinstall it on your PC. This will also give you a fresh an functioning version of the problematic DLL and the ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT message should disappear.
2. Run the app as administrator
- Right-click on the app’s exe file or shortcut and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Select Run this program as administrator.
- Click OK to save your settings and try relaunching the app and see if the error persists.
3. Run a SFC scan
- Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow.
- Wait for the process to complete. This tool analyzes and automatically fixes system file corruption.
- Restart your PC and check if the ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT message shows up again.
4. Update Visual C++ Redistributables
- Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft download page for Visual C++ Redistributables.
- Select your system version (both x86 and x64 versions if you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows) and hit the Download button.
- Follow the installation prompt to install the redistributable.
- Restart your PC.
Many DLL errors are related to missing or outdated Visual C++ Redistributables. Reinstalling them or updating might get rid of messages such as ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT.
5. Perform a clean boot
- Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items in the Task Manager.
- Restart your computer and check if the error persists.
Now your PC will reboot in a version that’s only using a few Windows apps. If the error is caused by app conflicts, this will help locate the culprit.
Re-access apps you access one by one and see which one is triggering the error. Consider repairing or uninstalling it.
Following the steps above you should be able to fix ERROR_BAD_DLL_ENTRYPOINT. Similar methods can be applied for related errors such as DLL_MIGHT_BE_INSECURE and ERROR_BAD_SERVICE_ENTRYPOINT.
Let us know which method worked for you. And if you still haven’t managed to fix it, give us more details and we’ll help you figure it out.
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